FSCJ OTA Program

Program Overview

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is a limited-access, 22-month Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program.

It provides classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and clinical fieldwork to prepare students for a career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

The 74-credit-hour curriculum includes general education and professional OTA courses that emphasize mental health, physical rehabilitation, pediatrics, and geriatric care.

Accreditation and Certification

The OTA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), and graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

A state license is required to practice, which is typically based on the NBCOT exam results. FSCJ’s OTA program maintains accreditation through 2027-2028.

Program Outcomes

FSCJ’s OTA program has a three-year graduation rate of 73%, with an NBCOT exam pass rate that allows graduates to practice nationwide. Graduates can find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

Admission Requirements and Acceptance Rate

Admission to the program is competitive, and students must submit a HESI-A2 exam score as part of the application process. Other requirements include:

• Completion of prerequisite courses with a ‘C’ or better:
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I (BSC2085C)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology II (BSC2086C)
  • English Composition I (ENC1101)
  • Human Growth and Development (DEP2004)
  • College Algebra or equivalent math course
• High school diploma or GED
• Background check, drug screening, and immunizations
• Physical examination

Applications are due by May 15 for the fall start date.

Curriculum and Hands-On Training

The OTA program includes lecture courses, laboratory practice, and two clinical fieldwork rotations.

OTH 1019C: Functional Anatomy II (3 Credits, On-Campus/Hybrid)
Students explore advanced activity analysis and learn to adapt daily activities to meet client needs. The course covers adaptive devices, assistive technology, and compensatory strategies. Topics include ergonomics, driver rehabilitation, chronic health conditions, virtual environments, and community health settings. This is one of four “intervention courses.”

OTH 2420C: Physical Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy (4 Credits, On-Campus/Hybrid)
This course covers treatment techniques for adults with medical and physical conditions affecting occupational performance. Students learn to use adaptive equipment, assistive devices, orthotics, and functional mobility techniques. Emphasis is on client-centered interventions to improve independence and quality of life. This is one of four “intervention courses.”

OTH 1704: Professionalism and Documentation in Healthcare (3 Credits, Online)
Students develop professional behaviors and documentation skills, covering ethics, quality assurance, reimbursement, and leadership. Topics include business aspects of occupational therapy, management principles, and preparation for academic settings. Documentation and professional communication are emphasized.

OTH 2602C: Occupational Therapy with the Geriatric Population (3 Credits, On-Campus/Hybrid)
This course examines aging and its effects on occupational performance, focusing on work, leisure, and social participation. Topics include medical conditions, advocacy, aging theories, intervention strategies, and lifestyle influences on health and wellness.

OTH 1800: Occupational Therapy Practicum I (Level I Fieldwork) (2 Credits, Clinical)
Students apply basic occupational therapy principles in real-world settings. Field placements integrate hands-on learning under supervision and provide exposure to occupational therapy practices.

OTH 1520C: Pediatrics in Occupational Therapy (5 Credits, Hybrid/On-Campus)
This course covers pediatric growth and development, focusing on occupational therapy for children with developmental challenges. Topics include play therapy, family involvement, assessment tools, and intervention strategies. Pediatric legislation and educational settings are also addressed. This is one of four “intervention courses.”

OTH 2165C: Adaptive Living Skills (3 Credits, Hybrid/On-Campus)
Students learn problem-solving techniques to modify activities for clients with various needs. Topics include adaptive devices, assistive technology, and compensatory strategies. Emerging areas such as telehealth, primary care, and community health settings are explored. This is one of four “intervention courses.”

OTH 2432C: Neurological Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy (5 Credits, Hybrid/On-Campus)
Students examine neurological conditions affecting occupational performance. Topics include evaluation, intervention planning, cognitive retraining, perceptual assessments, and assistive technology. Emphasis is on occupation-based interventions. This is one of four “intervention courses.”

OTH 2840: Occupational Therapy Supervised Practice I (5 Credits, Clinical)
Students participate in full-time, eight-week fieldwork experiences. Under supervision, they apply evaluation, treatment planning, and intervention techniques while adhering to fieldwork regulations.

OTH 2841: Occupational Therapy Supervised Practice II (5 Credits, Clinical)
A continuation of Supervised Practice I, this course requires full-time fieldwork for eight weeks. Students refine their skills in evaluation, treatment planning, and intervention strategies under professional supervision.

OTH 2933: Seminar for Clinical Practice (1 Credit, Hybrid)
This capstone course prepares students for the transition from student to practitioner. Topics include professional relationships, ethics, licensure, job search strategies, and preparation for the NBCOT certification exam.

More information about the curriculum here.

Students gain experience in adaptive living skills, documentation, physical rehabilitation, pediatrics, mental health, and geriatric therapy.

The first-year coursework includes classroom learning and labs, while the second year focuses on full-time fieldwork rotations.

Tuition and Fees

The total estimated in-state tuition and fees for the program are $7,900, with additional costs for:

• Books: $1,000
• Background check and drug screening: $119
• Immunizations and medical requirements: $285
• Uniforms: $100
• CPR certification: $55
• NBCOT exam fee: $515
• Licensure application: $180
• Online proctoring fees: $750 The total estimated cost is $10,904. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Career Support and Job Placement

While FSCJ does not guarantee job placement, the Career Development Center provides resume assistance, job search resources, and career counseling to help graduates secure employment.

Fieldwork and Clinical Rotations

Students must complete two Level II fieldwork rotations in clinical settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. These rotations provide hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists.

Online Availability

The OTA program is not fully online, but some general education courses and two OTA courses (OTH 1001 and OTH 1704) are available in an online format.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I transfer credits from other schools into the OTA program?

Yes, FSCJ allows the transfer of general education credits from accredited institutions. However, OTA-specific coursework is not automatically accepted, and students transferring from another OTA program should consult an advisor.

What hands-on experiences or lab facilities does the program provide for skill development?

FSCJ’s OTA program includes lab-based learning and clinical fieldwork in areas like adaptive living skills, movement analysis, and rehabilitation therapy. Students gain practical experience using assistive devices and treatment techniques.

How competitive is the application process, and what can I do to improve my chances of acceptance?

The limited-access program admits a select number of students per year.

To improve your chances:

• Score well on the HESI-A2 entrance exam.
• Maintain a high GPA in prerequisite courses.
• Gain volunteer or shadowing experience in occupational therapy.
• Apply early and ensure all application materials are complete.

Does the program offer job placement assistance or career services after graduation?

Yes, FSCJ provides career counseling, resume workshops, and job search resources, but job placement is not guaranteed.

What types of fieldwork or clinical rotations are required, and where do they take place?

Students must complete two Level II clinical fieldwork rotations, each lasting full-time for 8 weeks, in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.

For more details or to start the application process, visit FSCJ’s OTA Program Page.